Your Safety Guide to Riding a Dirt Bike

Whether a novice rider or an experienced one, you will want to prioritize safety when riding a dirt bike. These high-powered vehicles are designed for ultimate thrill and excitement, but unless you are careful, they can also put you at risk.

We understand that you can't prevent all potentially dangerous scenarios when enjoying an adventure sport. But you can take a few proactive measures to stay safe and enjoy riding your dirt bike. Don’t worry if you are unsure where to begin—our guide has you covered. Read on to learn more, and for more information, visit Thompson’s Motorsports in Terre Haute, IN.

Dress Properly

As an off-road motorcycle rider, you probably are already aware of the importance of wearing safety equipment when riding a dirt bike. Make sure you wear everything you can to protect yourself from getting injured on the trails.

Get a sturdy, DOT-approved helmet designed for off-road motorcycle riding that fits you properly and protective clothing like a riding jacket and long pants. You will also want a pair of closed-toed shoes, gloves with a good fit, and goggles to help keep out dust, bugs, and kicked-up debris.

Get the Proper Training

It helps to take a dirt bike riding course before hitting the trails. Even if you know how to ride a motorcycle, you will benefit from learning how to maneuver and control your dirt bike in unpredictable terrain.

Inspect Your Bike Before Each Ride

Next, you should remember to service your dirt bike before each ride. Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your vehicle and enables you to spot hidden issues before they become serious.

When inspecting your dirt bike, make sure that you check the tires, brakes, chain, and other vital components. They should be in good working order and ready for your outing.

Choose Your Trails Wisely

Although dirt bike riding is all about exploring the unknown, you will want to avoid going into the wilderness without knowing the terrain, location, and potential hazards. Before finalizing the date and time for your outing, identify trails that match your skill level. Ideally, you should stick to defined areas and avoid steep drop-offs.

Bring Company

We often recommend that our customers ride with a partner, preferably someone familiar with the terrain. If you want to go solo, make sure that a friend or family member knows your route and when to expect your return.

Avoid Bad Weather

More importantly, you will want to avoid riding your dirt bike in extreme weather. Poor weather can affect the trail conditions and your visibility and make you more prone to being in an accident. If bad weather conditions like high winds or rain are predicted for your area, cancel your trip or reschedule it for another time.

We hope you find this guide helpful when riding a dirt bike. If you need more advice or want to upgrade your vehicle to the latest model, visit Thompson’s Motorsports. We have an impressive collection of dirt bikes for sale, and our friendly staff can help you select a model that suits your budget and requirements. You will find us in Terre Haute, IN, proudly serving those from Bloomington & West Indianapolis, IN, and Effingham, IL.